Birch Ridge Report

Raindrops from heaven

Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2001

The weather has been absolutely spectacular. But the recent "raindrops from heaven" are much needed and appreciated!

The greens at Birch Ridge continue to see steady improvement, but the fairways are in desperate need the rain. With the 2001 Kenai Peninsula Amateur Golf Tournament scheduled for later this month, the rain is a blessing.

Junior Program

The advanced junior program concluded on June 27. Overall, over 60 young golfers participated in the junior program this year. According to Birch Ridge Golf Pro Tom Walsh, "The program was a great success with a lot of future promise."

Much of the success of the junior program goes to Dean Alt and Gary Stackhouse. Their effort and dedication day after day, week after week throughout the month of June assisted in attaining new levels of performance for the aspiring juniors.

This year marks the initiation of another junior program. Sparked by Kenai Golf Pro Bill Engberg the Ryder Cup competition has junior golfers from Birch Ridge and Kenai in various formats of play. After two tournaments of scotch doubles and best ball, Birch Ridge leads 9-3 going into the final week. Competition concludes July 12 and July 13 with individual matches.

The Alaska Junior Golf Association is taking this week off with play resuming on July 9 at Anchorage Golf Course. Later in the month, junior golfers from around the state will compete in a two-day tournament at Eagleglen followed by the Junior State Amateur tournament July 23 and 24 at Anchorage Golf Course.

Senior League

Our roving reporter Jo Briscoe tells us that the master seniors love to play low net. Since there is still a few years til we gain the illustrious designation of Master Senior, you'll have to ask one of those more skillful players why it is so popular.

Chiya Bizan took top honors with an adjusted score of 30 1-2, shooting an awesome 42. Gordon Briscoe came in second with his adjusted 32 1-2, shooting a sensational 43. According to Jo, the "ho-hum" statistics include Gordy capturing longest putt from Chiya on hole No. 5 by sinking a 21-foot putt. Closest to the pin on No. 6 was John Horwath, again, and Dave Stein hit a terrific shot being only a about 1 1-2 to 2 feet from the pin on No. 8.

Rumor has it that this is the closest anyone has come this year to a hole-in-one at Birch Ridge.

Tuesday Morning Glories

Playing best ball format, Nan Weaver, Chiya Bizan (of Master Senior fame), Jan Stenga, and Louise Schadle shot a 40 in overtaking the team of Lynne Reynolds, Pat Bird, Myrna Cowan and Kathi Neilsen on Tuesday. Jan, Louise and Chiya contributed to the winning ways with Louise and Chiya tying for fewest putts and Jan Stenga knocking it closest to at Hole No. 8.

Men's Night

Thirty-seven players showed up on a wonderful evening with the winning team of John Tongen, Dick Cockcroft, Chuck Obendorf, and Bob Sizemore shooting a sizzling 6-under at Men's Night on June 27. Tom Walsh captured long drive with Jay Kriner getting to within 6 feet, 2 inches on No. 8 and John Tongen nuzzling his tee shot up even closer on No. 6 at 5 feet, 5 inches.

Couples Night

Couples Night resumes this Saturday and kicks off with dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. tee off.

Upcoming Tournaments

The American Red Cross Association will have its annual tournament this Saturday. Contact the Pro Shop at 262-5270 for details or call Debra Holle with the American Red Cross at 262-4541.

Professional golf is coming to the Kenai Peninsula July 17. Beginning at 6 p.m., the Wells Fargo Pro Skins Game will include five or six professional golfers including Birch Ridge's Tom Walsh and Kenai's Bill Engberg. Contact the Birch Ridge Pro Shop for details.

Next week we'll provide an update on the standings of the Women's Birch Ridge Cup.